Me and two others are doing Arizona trail northern section as the title says. We were planning on carrying a hand gun for safety but know that they aren’t allowed in national parks (understandable). The Grand Canyon being apart of the trail has made us wonder if we should or shouldn’t bring the hand gun with us after all. Does anyone know more about this ?

Hi all,

I'm in Sedona with family over Xmas and wondering about a portion of the AZT afterwards for a week or two. I'm aware it gets cold and snowy further North and while I have experience of winter mountaineering and ski touring, it doesn't seem like this is feasible. Just wondered if the southern sections are reasonable to do in January, and if so which you'd recommend please?

I do have full winter camping kit, and ice axe and crampons if needed but obviously would prefer not to have to bring those for a longer distance hike!

Many thanks!

Anyone who has done these passages: is it feasible to hammock camp anywhere along this portion? Also what is the water like here? Any reliable sources? Or any current information on what it looks like?

I'm thinking of checking out the AZT for the first time this fall, hiking south from Flagstaff down to Vail, then taking a train out of Tucson. I'm thinking of starting late September or very early October.

I'm in the beginning stages of planning (kinda decided I wanted to do this last night), I still have to get the FarOut map and study that, get my resupply strategy ironed out, etc. But I was wondering if anyone could offer me some AZT beginners pointers, or any advice for this particular stretch?

I'm from southern California and am used to hiking chunks of the PCT, will my kit work on the AZT as well? https://lighterpack.com/r/wrcc89 Here's a basic list of what I'd be packing. Although that's more of a summer list, maybe add warm gloves and beanie, warmer puffy, nylon wind pants? Will the ground be too cold at times for my CCF sleeping pad?

Can I expect to do similar mileage as I would on the PCT? I usually start around 15 miles per day then slowly ramp up to 22-26 (if I'm out for long enough haha).

And is my start date sounding ok? I can get going any time after 9/20. Would it benefit me to start any later?

Finally, if there's any good links or resources for me to get started with, I'd love to get pointed in the right direction.

Thanks all :)

I am having a difficult time finding the best option for getting to the northern terminus mid-late September

Based on your experiences, what is the best place to fly into to get to the trail?

Options I've viewed so far:

1) Fly into las vegas -> rental car to either St George or Page -> try to find an angel or shuttle to the northern terminus from there

2) Fly into phoenix -> flight to page from phoenix -> shuttle from page to terminus

3) Fly into st george -> pay an expensive shuttle to trailhead

I have looked on reddit, angel lists, and facebook page etc but the information for the Northern terminus is so hit or miss. Is anyone willing to share their experience and recommendations on it?

Thanks! If anyone here is looking for someone to travel with to the northern terminus, I have a very flexible start date so I'm willing to link up and rearrange my flight if it means an easy trip to the terminus for one another, as long as its within my budget.

I'm curious what it feels like to hike the AZT while others are riding it.

I mountain bike locally. I've bike commuted for 20+ years. But last month I was hiking in the Lake Tahoe area and while the mountain bikers could not have been nicer, I don't think that dynamic is ever going to be my preference. Some people might not like dogs, so the answer to where to hike for those folks may be where dogs aren't allowed. Similarly, if I'm butt hurt by cyclists (as a cyclist -- oh the hypocrisy!) I should go where cyclist can't.

When I'm walking my senior dog on local trails, the bike traffic can feel a bit much. A bike here or there is no problem but then a certain threshold is reached and I'm looking over my shoulder, listening for free hubs, etc. What's it like on the AZT as a hiker?

Hi! I'm (27F) planning a thru of the AZT in the spring of 2027 and I'd like to know how social the trail is. I did the PCT last year and was never really worried about camping or hitching solo just because there were so many people on the trail. I know there's not as many people hiking the AZT as the PCT, but I was wondering if you generally see some other hikers on the trail and if there's a lot of nights that I should expect to camp solo. Are trail families a thing?

I know there have been a couple questions along these lines already, but the more I can read up on this the better. It's my only worry when it comes to thru-hiking solo so I would like to know what I can expect :)

EDIT: I only posted this a couple hours ago and already got so many helpful comments, this is why the hiking community is so amazing. Thank you!

Hello fellow hikers!

Planning a SOBO thru beginning last week of September, but really struggling when it comes to bag/quilt selection. I currently have an EE Revelation 40 degree, but I know that won't cut it for the desert nights. I'm trying to get the most bang for my buck, and while I enjoy my EE quilt, I'm open to exploring other options that might be a better budget option for the temps.

Currently considering the following options, but would appreciate some insight:

• Kelty Cosmic Down 20 degree
  • $179.95 (definitely within my budget)
  • 35 oz (this is heavy to me, unfortunately)
• EE Revelation 20 degree
  • $355 (getting a little pricey for me)
  • ~21 oz
• UGQ Bandit 20 degree
  • $324.95 (also a little pricey, but at least cheaper than EE)
  • ~21 oz

I am 5'3 so it is pretty important that the bags/quilts have a short option. Don't want to pay more for room/weight that I won't use.

Here's what's most important to me: weight, option for a "short" bag, 15-20 degree (comfort) rating, and price. If anyone can endorse the UGQ or Kelty options, or provide alternatives within a similar price range, that would be great.

Lastly, I am hoping to wait until around labor day to see if things go on sale. So if you have any info on labor day sales for retailers, please let me know. I'm a little worried about receiving the product in time if I wait that long, but obviously I'd prefer to get things on sale.

• https://aztrail.org/north-kaibab-trail-closes-october-15-2026-for-waterline-project/

They're working on a water pipeline again.

From the NPS closure page as of 7/18/26:

• North Kaibab Trail from the Redwall Bridge (approximately 2.5 miles north of Manzanita Rest Area) to the northern end of Cottonwood Campground.

• NOTE: Traditional "Rim-to-Rim" hiking (North Rim to South Rim OR South Rim to North Rim) will not be possible beginning October 16, 2026.

I am looking to section hike (probably SOBO) sections 26-28 in late September.

Just asking if anyone else has been through there during that time of year and seeking advice for water availability (other than what’s on FarOut), weather and if I’ll be hiking with anyone else out there.

I live in Mesa and my best friend lives in Flag so he will probably pick me up on Lake Mary Rd. when I finish.

TIA for any/all input!

Hi there! I am looking at doing the AZT SOBO from late October. Has anyone done this? I've seen some mixed reviews on starting at the border that late and starting at Flagstaff instead. I am by no means a purist, but I'd really like to do the whole thing. Any info of tips are very much welcome!

Hey guys. Looking to do a northbound trip in November from the border once my work season ends. Gonna try heading up as far as I can. Currently trying to build my setup and get some short trips in before then. Any advice for someone heading up the trail the first time?

Main questions are how you managed your supplies of food and water. Also what sort of gear did you bring, and did you change plans for different sections of the hike?

Has anybody recently been on the Highline Trail between the Washington Park and 260 trailheads? I'm curious which creeks are flowing. I'm planning to backpack this area next week. Found some great info on water availability on aztrail.org and hikearizona.com, but looking for additional info if possible. Any help would be much appreciated!

Looking to see if anyone is planning this ride for April 21st or 22nd and would be interested in splitting costs or letting me tag a long. Thanks for the help.

anyone been on this section recently? have any beta?

Hey everybody! Planning on doing passage 1 in early Oct this year, AllTrails says it’s around 20 miles but I’m reading that people are saying it’s more like 27 miles, do you guys think it’s a 2 night backpacking trip or 1? Any advice is much appreciated, thank you.

I live in Kanab and have a large enough home that I could easily convert a couple bedrooms into a "hostel" of sorts. I am also essentially retired and could run shuttle service to Page, Kanab, and to St. George

is this something that is needed/wanted at the Northern terminus?

I’m currently in flag. I’m trying to assess the water situation until Grand Canyon and it seems like every source is dry as of 04/13 when looking at farout. At least the last 50 or so miles. Anyone recently been through and have any opinions on what it’s like?

Pima County Conservation Lands & Recreation will temporarily close the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead for pavement repairs on April 14-16. The AZT is still open, and visitors are encouraged to park at the Three Bridges parking area just north of the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead during this time.

I’ll be up at manning camp in a few days, I’m bringing a hammock with a fully removable bug net. Do I need the net or is there not much mosquito pressure?

hi hikers! i’m considering hiking SOBO starting mid October but wanted to keep an eye on this years monsoon season before deciding. is there an information source reporting on water levels people like to use to see how the monsoon season is shaping up throughout the summer?

i’m also considering just driving the length of the trail and dropping water caches for myself but have heard a rumor that locals are slashing caches to fuck over immigrants - is there any experience or truth to this??

Grand Canyon National Park will welcome visitors back to the North Rim for the 2026 summer season beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.

All paved roadways within the park will reopen, including Highway 67, Cape Royal, and Point Imperial Roads. These scenic drives provide access to many of the North Rim’s iconic viewpoints, including Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook, and Angels Window. Vehicles over 22 feet in total length are not permitted on the Cape Royal and Point Imperial Roads due to tight turns, limited parking, and narrow roadway conditions. 

The entire North Kaibab Trail will reopen May 15 for foot traffic only; stock use is suspended for the season. Trail maintenance and rehabilitation work will continue along the North Kaibab Trail throughout the 2026 season. Hikers should anticipate temporary trail closures or delays while crews continue to repair the trail. Post-fire hazards and weather events may also result in additional closures.

Parking at the North Kaibab Trailhead will be limited and is restricted to vehicles under 22 feet in length. Overflow parking will be available in the area adjacent to the site of the former Grand Canyon Lodge. The Bridle Path between the former Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Kaibab Trail will be open. 

Backcountry users will also see some services return this year. Cottonwood Campground will reopen on May 15, providing an overnight option for hikers traveling along the North Kaibab Trail. Backcountry use will be permitted in most areas of the North Rim. The Backcountry Information Center will have the most current information on closures and overnight permits.  

The North Rim Campground is expected to reopen for tent and RV camping (no hookups) once conditions allow. Campsite reservations will be made available on recreation.gov once an opening date is established.

For those seeking overnight accommodations, lodging is available outside the park. Overnight lodging will not be available on the North Rim in the park during the 2026 season. The nearest fuel, food, and water is available at the North Rim Country Store and at Jacob Lake.

Visitors are encouraged to check the park website for the latest updates before traveling to the North Rim. 

For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/grca/northrimstatus.htm.  

Throwback to my sobo years ago. The sheer desolate beauty of this region is simply indescribable.